The Moving Picture Girls in War Plays Or, The Sham Battles at Oak Farm

by Laura Lee Hope

"The Moving Picture Girls in War Plays" by Laura Lee Hope is a novel written in the early 20th century. This installment follows the adventures of sisters Ruth and Alice DeVere, who are both aspiring actresses involved in the motion picture industry. As they prepare for filming war dramas at Oak Farm, they deal with the excitements and challenges of their profession, punctuated with a hint of mystery regarding other characters such as Estelle Brown, a newcomer to the cast. The opening of this story introduces us to Ruth and Alice as they pack for a trip to Oak Farm, discussing their preparations and quirks as they engage in playful banter. The story quickly shifts focus as Alice discovers a newspaper article about a missing girl, Mildred Passamore, which grabs the girls' attention only to be a report from several years prior. It establishes the backdrop of their lives as actresses in a busy film industry. Their father, Mr. DeVere, encourages them in their endeavors while they encounter various colleagues, hinting at underlying tensions with other cast members, particularly concerning the new actress, Estelle. The stage is set for a blend of light-hearted drama and the excitement of the filmmaking process, including potential threats from background characters that may complicate their narrative.